Is Marleau The Answer?

by Gould Old Days on Jun 2, 2009 10:05 AM EDT

Is Patrick Marleau the cure for what's ailing the Caps? This article makes the case that the Sharks are hopping mad about their most recent early exit from the playoffs, and opens up the "trade Marleau" rumors anew. Could Patrick Marleau be the next second line center for the Washington Capitals?

Marleau would be a good fit for the Caps (he would be for almost any team). He's a 2009 all-star and an established scorer, with 334 goals and 610 points in 871 games (more stats here). And he's one of the league's top defensive forwards. Marleau is a natural center, but he was moved to wing last year so the Sharks could hand the keys to the second line to Joe Pavelski, who had a great year.

And that, in a nutshell, is why moving him could make sense to the Sharks. Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski are the Sharks' top two centers. Marleau has been the team's captain for five very disappointing years, leading some in the press to ask how he could possibly stick around for next year. Here's a breakdown of the Sharks' cap situation. A bunch of the Sharks' young studs are due for pay increases this year. Meanwhile, Rob Blake is a UFA who will very likely be replaced on D. In short, the Sharks could really benefit from moving a big contract, and Marleau's make the most sense.

The deal could also work for the Caps. Imagine Morrisonn and Fleishmann for Marleau. The deal works for both teams. The Sharks receive cheap-ish NHL caliber talent, including a 2nd pairing D to replace Blake and an LW to replace Marleau. Marleau and Nylander can compete for the second line center role: If Marleau loses out, he moves back to wing. (If Nylander loses out, he hopefully moves to Mars) And there are other variations of deals that could work. For example, Doug Wilson in San Jose is intent on getting a first round draft pick. The key is that the Caps have to move Nylander (unlikely) or Mo and Theodore (more likely). Basically, if the Caps are willing to send Theo to the AHL (and eat his salary), they have the cap space to do this. And a key element is that Marleau is a UFA in 2010. So he'll be playing for his next big contract, and he could come off the books in time for the team to re-sign Semin and Backstrom.

A possible impediment is that Marleau has a no movement clause, but you can imagine far worse situations for him than the Caps so I think he might be willing to waive it. So would you like to see Marleau between Semin and Laich next year? That could honestly be both a pretty good scoring line and a defensive shutdown line.

If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's editors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.

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Imagine Morrisonn and Fleishmann for Marleau.

I imagine even the computer in NHL 09 rejects that, let alone Doug Wilson. Marleau scored 38 goals this year. I know SJ is frustrated but if they’re going to trade him, it’s going to be for a lot more value than that.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 2, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Can’t you wait for us to get a crack at it? I’m pretty sure you have something else that should be drawing your attention. But yeah, you are right, no way Marleau goes for that cheap. Maybe throw a first round pick on that package and DW will listen. I’d love to see him come here but I don’t think it is going to happen. I don’t think DW is panicing as much as some in the media are. SJS is still young and they have a great core, they are just going through some growing pains. See also: late ‘70s NYI, early-mid 90’s DET. They have time.

by Rob Parker on Jun 2, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think you’re accounting for a salary cap world. That 6.5 Million contract is an albatross, and Marleau simply isn’t worth it to the Sharks. Do you really think anyone out there is going to give them better value?

by Gould Old Days on Jun 2, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Do not use Michael Nylander’s Official Nickname without his express permission.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jun 2, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I didn’t see “Circles” there.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Jun 2, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

$6.3 million for the captain and guy who lead the team in goals (and tied for best +/-) doesn’t seem like an albatross at all for San Jose.

If you really want to account for the salary cap world, the Caps couldn’t even keep Marleau for longer than 2009-10 without sacrifing a piece of their young core. Marleau is set to be a UFA summer 2010, and Washington will have to re-up Backstrom and Semin by then.

I know there are some expiring contracts but I don’t think Washington can afford five players making $5-9 million (Green, Ovechkin and presumably Backstrom, Semin and Marleau) and still hope to fill out a competitive roster.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 2, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Not long term, but short term maybe. Alzner, Varlamov, Carlson, and whomever else we get from Hershey are going to be much cheaper than their contribution. Until we have to resign Alzner/Varlamov we may have some money to play with. I still agree with you, just being a pain.

by Rob Parker on Jun 2, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting thought, G.O.D. I’ve always liked Marleau and thought he’s been given a bad rap as the fall guy everytime SJ trips themselves up.

It’s certainly a trade I’d like to see but giving up a first might make me hesitate for only a 1 year player. Now a 1st and Nyls for him, I’d pull the trigger on that.

by MetalCap on Jun 2, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

FWIW (a.k.a. nothing), I seem to recall some “Marleau-to-the-Caps” rumors at last year’s draft.

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by J.P. on Jun 2, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

You remember what the asking price was then?

by Cluster on Jun 2, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Now that I think about it more, it may have been a rumor around the draft two years ago, and involving the pick the Caps used on Alzner.

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by J.P. on Jun 2, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

That might even have made some sense then, given Marleau’s age and his contract. He’s definitely not worth a #5 overall now, given his contract

by Gould Old Days on Jun 2, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

It was 07, but it was around the Sabres pick, not our #5. It was back when Marleau was in the doghouse or something close to it.

Then of course someone started rumoring that the deal was actually Marleau to the Habs, the pick (#27?) to the Sharks, and Ryder to the Caps. I don’t know if that was ever reasonably legit but that was the most persistent rumor at the time, and I guess the fact that the Sharks did in fact eventually get the pick from us lends at least a little credence to the idea that there was something brewing.

by brs03 on Jun 3, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

That’s right – I had thought the Habs were involved. Thanks.

And now that you mention it, wasn’t there something about Marleau supposedly not wanting to come to Washington that necessitated the Habs’ involvement?

[Sidenote: trying to piece together two-year-old trade rumors may be the dumbest thing I’ve ever wasted thought on on this site.]

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by J.P. on Jun 3, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I remember reading something like that.

by brs03 on Jun 3, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Marleau

he is a great player who will fetch a lot in return…probably more than the Caps are willing to part with.

he would be a sweet fit on our team, though.

by ns on Jun 2, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

e.g. Semin+Flash/Juice or Semin+1stOR2nd rounder

by ns on Jun 2, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

You think Marleau is worth more than Semin? At his age with his contract, and with Semin an RFA at the end of his deal?

by Gould Old Days on Jun 2, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

i think Semin, given the age/contract/potential factors is worth more. Just saying that is the type of deal SJS might want from the Caps. A top caliber player and either picks or a run of the mill player.

by ns on Jun 2, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I think that was true in the last offseason. It’s why Marleau didn’t get moved — because SJ was demanding that kind of payment and he’s just not worth it. This offseason, though, they’re in a real pinch. And they want to make changes.

by Gould Old Days on Jun 2, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Marleau or Pronger?

Interesting to compare the potential of this to that of acquiring Pronger. Both have one year left on their contracts, Pronger is at $6.25 million, so he comes a little cheaper dollarwise. But I think the Caps would have to give up more to acquire him vice Marleau.

Who would I rather have? No doubt, #25. That’s assuming we can get him cheaper than what the Ducks were asking at the deadline, which was ridiculous (Alzer, Varly, and Carlson, right?).

by Cluster on Jun 2, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

(Alzer, Varly, and Carlson, right?)

aka The Caps Future

by ns on Jun 2, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think it was all three, but it was at least one, if not two of them.

by gfcaps fan on Jun 2, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

GMGM’s claim was that it was all three…which signaled to me either (1) the ducks weren’t really interested in trading pronger, (2) GMGM was fibbing a little bit, or (3) both.

by Natty Bumppo on Jun 2, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, this is GMGM we’re talking about.

by gfcaps fan on Jun 2, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

No.

by D'ohboy on Jun 2, 2009 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

Care to rethink your position?

by Rob Parker on Jun 2, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Let them know Marlo step to any motherf*ckr — Crosby, Malkin, whoever. My name is my name!

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jun 3, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Incredible pic, Gouldie.

And no as well to Marleau. Unless there is a sea change in philosophy—spurred by a major career ending injury to one of our chosen, or a new GM—it’s prohibitively costly to deal the talent necessary.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Jun 2, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

ugh, just had a frightening thought

could you imagine if we somehow traded for Marleau and he turned out to be Nylander 2K9?

by ns on Jun 2, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

No chance. Marleau is a great center at both ends of the ice, in the prime of his career, and amazing skating ability. He takes a ton of undeserved heat because of SJS’ well documented post-season history and one bad year with Ron Wilson. I would love to have him on the team and think he would immediately help us on the PP, PK, and ES. I just don’t think I’ll be willing to accept the cost unless Doug Wilson is crazy.

by Rob Parker on Jun 2, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

lol @ Nylander 2K9, but agreed, not too likely. one year left at 6.3M, it’s a matter of what you can sign him for after that. fwiw, i heard on HNIC radio that Doug Wilson was talking the ‘change is coming’ talk at the GM meetings. i don’t see the cost being too high if he isn’t in their plans beyond 09-10 anyway. how that all fits into our world, i have yet to contemplate.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jun 3, 2009 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions

If we assume he was a one year rental (cap constrictions not allowing the Caps to resign in 2010), would Perrault or Gustaufson be ready to slip into that second line center spot a year from now?

If so, that could be another argument for doing it.

by Stormblue on Jun 3, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions

Even if they’re not, the Caps could cross that bridge when they get to it. A big ticket guy with an expiring contract is doable for this team.

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by J.P. on Jun 3, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions

How many years would you add a big contract for? I’d say 2 for a guy like Marleau or Pronger, 3 would be pushing it.

by Rob Parker on Jun 3, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

No more than 1. Backstrom and Semin need to get paid in the 2010 offseason, and the cap is uncertain. Team needs to leave itself flexibility.

I think Henrik Sedin, one year, $7.5 Million, alone without his brother, is the richest contract the Caps could afford that would make any sense. And Sedin ain’t going to go for it.

by Gould Old Days on Jun 3, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Why would the Caps go for that?

I think the Caps would be in the final right now if they picked up a dman.

by zephyr on Jun 3, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Not saying Sedin is a good idea, just that he’s affordable. There’s plenty of things I can afford that I shouldn’t buy…

But I do think 2nd line center is the Caps’ top need. With Fedorov gone and Nylander ineffective, there’s nobody in the organization that can do it. On the other hand, the Caps do have 8 pretty good defensemen who could play in the NHL right now. I agree that it would be a good idea to improve on D, but I think you have to fill your actual holes first.

by Gould Old Days on Jun 3, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly – one. Which makes Marleau a fit.

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by J.P. on Jun 3, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Theo and Potsy come off the books after next season, giving more cap relief. Nyls and Poti will be in the final year of deals without any NMC so we could potentially move them. If we want a second year we can make it work, especially for a top caliber player. I want no part of the Sedins.

by Rob Parker on Jun 3, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

We’re not locked into waiting until after next season. Work that draft magic McPhee!

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jun 3, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I can see Theo not being resigned, but I’m not so sure about Pothier. Let’s see how he plays next year, but he was solid once he got his legs under him this past season.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jun 4, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions

bad idea me thinks

did marl have a horrible post season again?

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
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by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 3, 2009 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

Marleau: 92 playoff games, 37 goals, 25 assists, 62 points
Lecavalier: 45 playoff games, 18 goals, 15 assists, 33 points

So Marleau is as clutch as Lecavalier in the playoffs, with about twice as much action.

by Gould Old Days on Jun 4, 2009 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Colorado just cleaned house – Like San Jose, they too might be looking to make some significant personnel changes this year. Their roster isn’t as enticing though.

by Stormblue on Jun 4, 2009 8:25 AM EDT reply actions